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RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina lawmakers successfully overrode several vetoes by Governor Josh Stein on Tuesday, enacting several controversial measures into law, largely due to a handful of House Democrats voting with the Republican majority. While the Senate, with its veto-proof Republican majority, faced little resistance, the House required Democratic defections to secure the overrides.
Key legislation now enacted includes stricter immigration enforcement, restrictions on birth certificate changes for transgender individuals, permission for concealed weapons in private schools, and the repeal of an emissions goal for Duke Energy.
Key Defections and Controversial Votes
House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) acknowledged the role of Democratic members who “recognize that they’re up here to serve their constituents,” suggesting compromise was at play.
Among the Democrats who consistently voted with the GOP was Rep. Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg), who passionately defended her vote on an immigration bill requiring sheriffs to comply with ICE detainer requests. She asserted that immigrants “must assimilate” and adapt to U.S. culture, rebuking those who disagreed with her stance.
Rep. Shelly Willingham (D-Edgecombe) also supported several overrides, including expanding the state auditor’s powers, allowing concealed weapons in private schools, repealing the Duke Energy emissions goal, and banning agencies from collecting donor information from nonprofits.
The deciding vote on a bill codifying definitions of male and female, restricting changes to transgender birth certificates, and limiting student library book access came from Rep. Nasif Majeed (D-Mecklenburg). Majeed stated he had “moral issues” with the legislation and had to “lean on my values.”
Unresolved Measures and Future Outlook
Several controversial measures, including a bill allowing anyone 18 and older to carry a concealed gun without a permit and bans on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, did not receive override votes in the House on Tuesday. House Speaker Hall indicated these bills could be addressed later this year or during next year’s short session.
While the Senate successfully overrode vetoes on bills banning DEI in higher and public education, the House has yet to take up these measures. Senate Democrats, like Sen. Michael Garrett (D-Guilford), strongly opposed the DEI bans, arguing they would “whitewash history” and limit exposure to challenging ideas.
The voting session drew protesters to Jones Street, who voiced their disapproval throughout the day, with some shouting in the gallery after votes were cast.
